Linda Meacci Yoga Retreats
COVID-19 TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
[Revised 06/05/2022]
While COVID-19 has, in degree, been reigned in, and the availability of vaccines has made it possible for much of the world to open up and travel to resume, the unpredictability of the coronavirus means that things could change at any time.
If there were to be a resurgence of COVID-19 such that travel bans were reinstated, thus preventing travel to your retreat location, you would be offered a full refund of retreat fees paid or a credit toward a future retreat, at your discretion.
However, short of a travel ban, no refunds will be issued after the “no refunds” date of your retreat. We are unable to issue refunds due to our financial commitment to the retreat venue.
For example, if you contract COVID and are unable to travel, simply are uncomfortable with the idea of traveling as the retreat date approaches, or change your mind for any reason, we will not be able to issue a refund.
With this in mind, we offer the following recommendations and suggestions to help you plan your travel in connection with Linda’s retreats.
Consider Purchasing Travel Insurance
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover the nonrefundable costs of your trip, including your retreat fee and airfare. Travel insurance can reimburse nonrefundable trip costs if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending the retreat, or even if you change your mind (see the “Cancel for Any Reason” option). See below for more information.
Standard Travel Insurance: Travel insurance generally costs between 5% and 10% of the amount you are insuring, and it reimburses 100% of your nonrefundable costs if you cancel your trip for a covered reason (e.g., a doctor-documented illness that prevents travel, or a death in the family). It also covers certain costs in the case of trip delay, trip interruption, and medical expenses should you get sick while traveling. Check for policies that cover COVID-related travel problems.
“Cancel for Any Reason” Option: You may also want to consider adding “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage to your policy. CFAR coverage generally adds 40-50% to the cost of the policy and reimburses 50-75% of your insured trip cost, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason, including if you simply change your mind.
Act quickly for CFAR: Check your policy for the deadline for adding the CFAR option. CFAR usually needs to be added within 10 to 14 days of your initial trip payment or trip deposit.
NOTE: If you paid your retreat deposit more than 10 or 14 days ago and still wish to purchase CFAR insurance, we can provide you a receipt with a more recent date, such that you can still book your CFAR insurance within the allotted time window.
HELPFUL ARTICLE ON TRAVEL INSURANCE
The following article from Forbes Magazine discusses travel insurance and includes a link to a tool to compare quotes on insurance policies. Although it focuses in large part on COVID-19 considerations, the information is good for all travel situations. NOTE: Once you click this link and reach the article’s web page, scroll down past the list of insurance companies to view some very helpful general information and tips about travel insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANIES LINDA KNOWS
In addition to the companies outlined in the above-referenced Forbes article, the following companies are ones that Linda and Bob have experience with:
World Nomads — Linda and Bob have purchased travel insurance through World Nomads many times throughout the years and have been satisfied with the coverages and the pricing. Note: Linda and Bob have never needed to file a claim, so they cannot comment on that aspect of the company’s performance.
Generali Travel Insurance — This was Linda’s choice for her travel to Mexico in January 2022 because she felt they had better COVID-19 coverage. Note: Linda and Bob do not have experience with the claims process for this company.
AIG Travel Guard — Money Magazine says that AIG Travel Guard offers good "cancel for any reason" policies. AIG Travel Guard has a very good reputation and may be slightly more expensive than other companies. A friend of Linda’s who travels from time to time received good service from them when she and her husband had to file a claim when traveling a few years back.
Consider Refundable Airfare
We recommend purchasing a refundable fare to give yourself maximum flexibility. Most airlines are now offering fully refundable fares for a reasonable price differential ($50 to $90). If you book a refundable fare, there’s no need to include your airfare on your travel insurance policy. If you need to cancel your trip, you’ll work directly with the airline to claim your refund, and you will avoid the middleman (i.e., the insurance company).
Of course, if you prefer, you also have the option of including the cost of your airfare on your travel insurance policy, in lieu of purchasing a refundable fare.
Take Precautions While Traveling
We ask that all retreat participants please take precautions while traveling to the retreat, including wearing a mask (preferably a KN95 mask) while traveling through airports, on planes, and on public transportation.